Chic for Cheap...thanks Nate!

I have to tell you about a new favorite blog I heard about - Copy Cat Chic. It is FABULOUS! The blogger, Reichel Brossard, is a freelance web and print designer, but in her spare time, she writes this great blog about finding high style for a lower budget.

For example, Like this look?

She posts about many different things for the home, and can be something as simple as a rug she found at Pottery Barn that was $299, but then searched a little more and found one almost identical at Cost Plus for $179.99. Click HERE for that post.

Here's one of my FAVS so far....(and it's only been a week since I started reading her blog!)...

She found these side tables/nightlights at Design Within Reach - for $275. It's a little 'Design Without Reach for me,' but thankfully Reichel found something identical at, where else but Pottery Barn Kids for $89 (on sale from $149)! So awesome.

Also, if you read her blog, you'll find out she's expecting, which might be GREAT for all of you Moms or Moms-to-be out there who want tips on decorating a nursery. She thought she might use one of these cubes in the baby's room - perfect!

Finally, I have to tell you that I found out about her blog while watching the Nate Berkus show, and then went on Facebook to become a fan of the blog, and discovered that a fellow stay at home Mom and sorority sister of mine also loved the blog too. The reason I am telling you this - I know, windy - is because my friend writes an adorable blog, called Whine and Cheez. She lives in the Chicago burbs (recently relocated there from the city) and has a 1 yr old daughter. She writes about everything Mommy-related, as well as decorating, etc, but really she just says what's going on her her life that day! It's fun, witty, and I enjoy it immensely. And we both watch Nate, and love to cringe at his awkwardness. Ha! Check it out if you're able.

It's for real..... William Rast for Target!

I can't believe I didn't know about this sooner.......my man Justin Timberlake's clothing line (William Rast) is doing a capsule collection for Target.....and at Target prices! Ahhhh!

It debuts on December 19, and you better believe I will be there. I bought William Rast for bop, and let me tell you I know there will be some amazing pieces available. They do a killer leather jacket ladies, and I hear there's one for Target too. According to a few reviews i've read on the debut of the line in LA last night, standout items include stud-embellished silky tanks and tees, faux leather shorts, and chambray button-downs.

Specifically pricing is between $16.99 and $199.99, which is fabulous, knowing that regular WR pricing goes from $70 to $700......

I hope you are as excited as me! Anyone want to venture to Target with me this Sunday??

Bliss......for your skin

I don't know about you all, but if I've been using a moisturizer for a while, my skin starts to get used to it - i.e. break out. Annoying!

So I went to Sephora the other day in search of something new - and after a long talk with a very knowledgeable consultant there - decided to try out the Bliss Triple Oxygen+C Energizing Cream. And I LOVE IT! It's supposed to re-energize skin and give it that fresh out of the shower glow. Seriously it does just that! I am really liking it after just a few days......

Other good things? No parabens, sulfates, GMO's, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, or Triclosan, and it helps promote collagen synthesis while brightening and evening skintone.

My trip to Sephora also netted me some new eye cream - I will report back on that in a few days as well. Eye creams are about as hard to find for me as a great moisturizer!

MY Favorite Oprah Things.....

I know this season is all about giving, but when you see the Oprah's favorite things show.....sometimes that's hard to remember! Every year I LOVE watching the audience freak out. This year was no exception - there was some man down on his knees this year he was so excited! And I DON'T BLAME THEM! How fun is that show? Since this was her last 'Favorite Things' show, she went all out. A new car?! Diamond earrings? An I Pad?

Yes please!


I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorites (within reach, i.e. the cruise is not on my list, ha!) from Oprah's favorites......so here they are - in no particular order:


1. The Sophia Satchel by Coach

A beautiful bag, in either color, yet I'm partial to the taupe. It would go with everything, it's patent leather so it's easy to clean, and it's just a very classy looking bag for everyday. Available on http://www.coach.com/

2. The Sophie Jewelry Box by Pottery Barn

Every year, I lust after Pottery Barn's jewelry boxes. They do such a great job! And I always forget that I need one of these, bad!!!! My jewelry is housed basically all over my dresser in many different gadgets collected over the years.....ugh. I feel like a really nice jewelry box is such an adult thing to have. Good thing I'm an adult! Hahahaha..........Find the jewelry boxes on http://www.potterybarn.com/

3. Bakers Edge Baking Pans!

Speaking of being an adult, the fact that I would like one of these to make brownies in is sooooo dorky. But I don't care. I like the edges of brownies too, and the edges of lasagne, etc etc. Yum. Smart idea, Bakers Edge. At $34.95 you can't go wrong. http://www.bakersedge.com/

4. Tory Burch Tote in Grey Flannel

Much like brownies from the Bakers Edge pans, this tote to me is YUMMY. What a perfect new diaper/carryall bag for moi!!! I love the grey with the silver (which is surprising, because usually I like gold!). While I'd usually go to my favorite http://www.shopbop.com/ for the tote, it's only available on http://www.toryburch.com/ since it's an exclusive for Oprah.

5. Of course, I couldn't go without mentioning the LuluLemon Relaxed Fit Pants.

I love almost everything made by LuluLemon, which is why I love these too! Dare I say, these might be great 'Mom' pants. You can run around town in them with the kids and still look cute! I also have to tell you that LuluLemon makes some rad leggings - I mean, they're nothing special in terms of looks - just black leggings - but the fit is amazing and I feel quite fabulous in them.......check out all things Lulu on http://www.lululemon.com/

Who knew it would be this hard to get a Christmas Card pic?

We attempted getting a shot of the kids in their Thanksgiving day outfits for the Christmas card 2010. I mean - ridiculous. A wily 2 year old and a very curious baby make for NO ONE looking at the camera at the same time, nor smiling at the same time.

Some humor for you......

Gemma appears to be saying "c'mon man!" to her crazy brother...

Now he's getting her back for her earlier look and smothering her with a kiss.....




Finally the whole family pic- REALLY not a good idea.

Fashionable IPhone Gloves??

So - struggling to compile a list of things you might want for Christmas? I am. However, gloves for the IPhone are something I definitely want.





However...hard to find. Let me tell you. I have just been scouring around the internet and have decided that the best options are these:





The Northface ETip, for $40.










They come in black, white, and grey (aka in any of these colors they'll match with anything!), and will no doubt do the job in terms of warmth and iphone use. However, the Northface website is already out of the XS and S - in all of the colors. And they're Unisex so if you're a girl you definitely want a XS or S. Try Nordstrom instead!

The others I like are by Echo - the Touchscreen Knit Glove. They come in a TON of colors - visit http://www.echodesign.com/, but my favorites are either black or fuschia, which are sold at http://www.saks.com/. They retail at $48.00 - and are maybe a more stylish alternative to the more utilitarian Northface glove.....check em:

So tell me - anyone have these already? Would love some commentary!!

Hey Chicago Mamas......Check out today's Mamaloot!

I was so excited a few minutes ago to open my email and find today's Mamaloot deal:

Get $100 at any Chicagoland Galt Toys & Galt Baby Store for only $50!

Wahoo! Hello......Christmas shopping anyone?

Click HERE to get the deal. Amazing!! You have to use the loot by December 18, but hey that's no problem for a shopper like me!

Oh and they have 3 locations in Chicago: Northbrook, Mag Mile (Michigan Ave), and Lincoln Park.

Here are more details:

-It's like getting $50 for FREE!
-Shop local this holiday season! Galt Toys has been locally owned and operated for over 30 years, serving Chicago families with a wide selection of quality products and top notch customer service

-Need to use this Loot by December 18, so hurry on up over to any of Galt's 3 Chicagoland locations
-Limit 1 per person
-Minimum purchase of $200 required to redeem this Loot